You and I are not very far apart at all. I too write and record my own stuff as a hobby. I've been recording on a Roland vs1680 for about 5 months now. Before that it was the old fashioned 4 track(yuk). I spent many years wondering what midi could do for me. Now I know. I use it all the time. I can probably help with any questions you have.

Have fun with those manuals!